Nep Travels : Everest Base Camp

Everest Base Camp is one of the delightful trek one would like to take on. Our Everest Base Camp trek allows one to experience adventure and thrill along with rich Sherpa culture. As the world knows, Sherpas are those brave people who have such an amazing abilities and knowledge to lead way to the top of highest peaks, so this is a golden chance to see how typical Sherpa boy or girl grow up, train themselves so that they will establish themselves as a Mountain guide.

This trek starts from Kathmandu with a short flight to Lukla. Lukla is the starting and ending point of this trek. You will be trekking for 11 complete days while passing via Namche, biggest Sherpa Village, Tengboche, Dingboche, Kalapathar and finally to the Everest Base Camp.

Cost Includes:

11 night accommodation with 3 meals a day during trek

2 night accommodation in Kathmandu on Bb plan

All entrance and Permit charge

Licensed Guide and Porter

All transfer; airport drop pick up

Round trip air fare Kathmandu - Lukla

Farewell Lunch or Dinner

All Government taxes

DAY 01: Arrival

Welcome to Nepal. First day you’re in Nepal. Our representative will be at the airport to receive you and transfer to Hotel. Our manager will meet you at hotel or where convenient and brief you about the trek along with introduction to guide of the trek. Overnight at Hotel on Bb plan

DAY 02: Kathmandu to Lukla flight

After breakfast, our staff will take you to Tribhuwan International Airport for departure to Tenzing-Hillary Airport, Lukla. In this 40 minutes flight, you can enjoy beautiful view of Himalayas. At Lukla, our other staff will receive you. After short rest and briefing by our guide, our trekking now actually begins. Today's destination is Phakding which is about 3-4 hours from Lukla. In order to accommodate the elevation we have a short walk on foot. Our trail passes through Buddhist monasteries, small stupas, and lovely Sherpa community while our today's destination is Phakding where we will end our first day trek. Overnight at Phakding

DAY 03: Phakding Walking to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)

After breakfast, today we walk through the beautiful pine forest and then cross the Dudh Koshi River. 2nd day trek is full of natural scenery. In addition to this, one can also feel the tranquility of the Fir and the Cypress forest. If the weather is fine, you can even catch a glimpse of Mount Everest. Namche is the gateway to the Himalayas. It is also the entry point of the Sagarmatha National Park. At the entrance of the national park, permit is required which will be arranged by our guide. After lunch, we will continue trek crossing the Hillary Bridge. After the Hillary Bridge, it is a bit difficult as the trail goes steeper. We'll be staying overnight at Namche where dinner will be served.

DAY 04: Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)

In order to adapt to the altitude we take a day break. We need to acclimatize to the altitude so we will hike to Everest View Point. Those who are interested to explore the village, have options to visit to the museums or roaming around the biggest marketplace of Everest region.

DAY 05: Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,870 m)

After breakfast, we will now make our way towards Tengboche. As we walk, we will see the breathtaking views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kwangde. Tengboche itself is a very beautiful place and beautiful views of Mount Amadablam adds more charm to it. Tengboche monastery is another highlight of the trek. Being a completely Buddhist site, here one can relax their soul with the prayers and chants of monks living within the complex.

DAY 06: Tengboche to Dingboche (4,260 m)

Tengboche Monastery is located in a nice location; there is a snowy mountain background that makes your morning more lively and refreshing. We proceed our trek through the Rhododendron forest followed by the Imja Khola River. We will stop at Pangboche village for lunch. Pangboche is a village of Sherpa, with biggest settlement of the Sherpas. Within the village you can see small helipad that is used for emergency landing. After lunch we will continue our trekking to the dry deserted mountains and stop at Dingboche for overnight stay.

DAY 07: Dingboche: Another rest and acclimatizing day

7th day of trekking, we won't proceed further. Take deep breathe, let your body acclimatize. Today we will explore Dingboche. There is another option; hike to Nangkar Tshang (5616m). Although this might be challenging but if you can make it then it's worth all the hardship. Once you get to the point, you can watch Mount Makalu panoramic view. Overnight at Dingboche

DAY 08: Dingboche to Lobuche (4,930 m)

After a day rest at Dingboche, now we proceed to Dungla and then go uphill to Kuroyuki Glacier through Chupki Lara, where you can see stone monuments of those mountaineers and trekkers who lost their lives in Everest region. This trail then continues to mountain terrain to Lobuche, a little settlement with amazing views of Mt. Lobuche, Mt. Pumari and the Nuptse. Now you need to prepare yourself mentally and physically, stronger than before. Night’s temperature drop to below -15 degrees. You'll feel you are so close to mountain, so get ready for the following day adventure.

DAY 09: Lobuche to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) and then return to Gorakshep (5,170 m)

So here we are! Get all set and ready for the most awaited time. We'll begin our day with easy trek to Gorakshep. We continue to move ahead to the Indian soldiers’ climbers’ commemorative point. We strictly suggest you to please follow the guide and then move forward. Before you reach to the Everest base camp you need to walk through the rock dunes, moraine and streams. At the arrival of the Everest base camp, you can see the bright colors on the gray environment of the monotonous (especially in the spring) mountaineering tents. You'll now see the unbelievable views of breathtaking Himalayas. What's more interesting is that you will feel yourself between the mountains, so beautiful and pure. According to our guide's instructions, you need to take back way to Gorakshep where you'll stay overnight.

DAY 10: Gorakshep to Kala Patthar (5,545 m) and then return to Pheriche (4,940 m)

Early morning get ready to start the trek before dawn breaks; this morning will be chilling cold so get covered up with warm clothes. Make sure you bring the headlights, hand lights and other equipment as instructed by our guide. In addition to the cold weather there is wind blowing sometimes. We will start early to catch perfect sunrise view in the Everest. We will head toward Kala Patthar (5545m) from where you can enjoy the 360-degree snow-capped mountains scenery. Along with 360˙degree view of Mt. Everest you'll also see view of Nuptse, Lhotse, Khumbutse, Pumori, Lingtren, Amadablam, Thamserku, Lobuche peak and other peaks all around. This is a lifetime rarely fulfilled dream of many so make sure your camera is ready to take some spectacular shots. After few hour of excursion now we will return back to Gorakshep, have breakfast and continue to trek down to Pheriche. We will have overnight stay at Pheriche.

DAY 11: Pheriche to Namche Bazaar

From Pheriche we will now walk downhill towards Namche. Today is another longest day which might be a little tiring. You'll have to walk for around 7 hours to get to Namche. Don't rush take it easy and enjoy your ending days in the mountains. By late afternoon you will reach to Namche. Dinner and overnight stay at Namche.

DAY 12: Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,800m)

Today we will again go down the mountain, there are stone steps so be aware and pay attention to each other's security. We continue to walk through the rhododendron forest, cross the Hillary Bridge and then here you are to Lukla. Today is the last night in Lukla so make best of it. Spend rest of night as you want but make sure your bag is packed well and don't get late for tomorrow's flight to Kathmandu. Overnight at Lukla.

DAY 13: Flight to Kathmandu

After more than a week living in the mountains today you return to Kathmandu. You will take short flight of appx 40mins. Now you have wonderful memories of beautiful Everest with you. After your arrival on Kathmandu airport, our guide or representative will transfer you to hotel. As “thanks for choosing us" and a farewell we will provide you lunch or dinner as you want. During the meal you can share your experience of the trek. We all will celebrate again together with all the member of Nep Travels who contributed to make this trip successful.

DAY 14: Departure

Last day in Nepal. Please be ready at the lobby of the hotel at least 3 hours before your flight back to home. Our representative will drop you to airport. If you love the mountains we guarantee that your heart will always desire to visit Nepal again so please keep in touch. End of our service.

Cost Excludes:

Visa Fee (free for Indian, Chinese and SAARC nationalities except for Afghans)

Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu

Travel Insurance

Rental charge for sleeping bag and down jacket

Expenses during trek like charging electronic devices, WI-FI, hot shower, toilet paper rolls, mineral water, and other personal items

Tips to guide and porter

Travel Insurance:

About the travel insurance we suggest our guest to take those insurance which covers all emergency case or other travel related injury during your travel in Nepal. However, this is optional and it depends on your opinion. If you are buying any insurance you can buy which covers for a week or only for days you will be in Nepal.

There are many insurance companies, but we suggest you to get World Nomad. They have emergency evacuation even up to 6000m. But before you get it make sure you are covered for such evacuation. For those who already have insurance of other company, make sure if it covers travel insurance in Nepal and especially evacuation up to 6000m. Link for World Nomads is www.worldnomads.com

Cancellation and Refund:

Although it’s rare but sometimes we might cancel trip due to some internal problems, in such a case you will be refunded full amount of package. If guest wish to cancel trip then money will be refunded as following:

Cancelled one month before arrival full refund

Cancelled 15 days before arrival 75% refund of total cost

Cancelled one week before arrival 50% of total cost

Cancelled less than a week 25% refund of total cost

No Show No refund

Equipment and Accessories

Trekking on the high altitude area there is some requirement of equipment.

Sunglasses

Sunhat, cap or Scarf

Woolen hat

Head light and torches

Gloves

Thermals

Fleece

Comfortable trekking boots

Fleece pants

Jackets, down jacket

Sleeping bag rated to -20°C

Trekking poles

Trekking bag or Duffel bag

Water bottle

Sunscreen

Toiletries

Spare battery (if you have any to charge your electronic devices on the way)

Can I travel alone without guide, just with a porter?
Well it’s your choice whether you want a guide or not. But what we suggest you, is to take a guide because there are thousands of solo traveler missing in Nepal. If there is a guide to assist you, you don't have to worry about where to stay for a night; how to find your way, how do you arrange your everyday trip and how do you take care of yourself if there are any bad happenings. Moreover, mountains are not like city area where you will find many to communicate, In the mountain very few speak English, and we remind you not to believe anyone you meet on the way cause there are good and bad people everywhere.
What age people can trek in the Mountains?
There is no limit in age unless you are below 18 yrs. old. Everyone can trek if their physical strength allows them. If there is kid interested, then he/she must be accompanied by his/her parent. For those above 18 don’t have any restriction. Before you choose any trekking destination consult with your physician and then go for that which you can complete.
How long is the trekking? How long will be the walking trail?
Trekking depends on the kind of package you choose. There are packages of a week and even of 3 weeks and more. When you are trekking average hour you will trek is four to six hours, in some cases 7 hours a day, which will be minimum of 7km and maximum 15 km of walking in a day.
Is it compulsory to have previous trekking history?
No, if this is your first time then it's OK. Not all the trekkers have previous experience. There are many beginners who do well than those experienced ones. Before you come to Nepal indulge yourself in some walking or stamina building sports, so that it becomes easier for you to even walk for 6 hours a day.
What things do I need to prepare before coming to Nepal?
Documents:
You will require documents like passport, color copies of passport, passport size photo graphs, if you are below 18 and travelling with friends, you will require a written document by your parents (travel agreement), if you are going under medication, written prescription by doctor is required. Besides these, if there are any other compulsory documents we will inform you during booking. For any other information you can check our travel essentials where information about Customs, Visa and Travel tips is given.
Equipment:
You will require that equipment which is listed in Equipment list. Please check there. You are free to carry other item if you need even if not mentioned in the list.
Travel Insurance:

Apart from this, most important thing you will require is Travel insurance. As, we've said it's optional but it’s better if you have one. There are many insurance companies, but we suggest you to get World Nomad. They have emergency evacuation even up to 6000m. But before you get it make sure you are covered for such evacuation. For those who already have insurance of other company, make sure if it covers travel insurance in Nepal and especially evacuation up to 6000m. Link for World Nomads is www.worldnomads.com
What permits are required and who will arrange it for us?
For every trekking, either short or long you will require permits. For all trekking region you will require TIMS (Trekker's Information Management System). We will get it for you and you should prepare a photograph for it. Another is National Park permit. For every trekking region which falls under national park or conservation area, you will require permit. Another is for trekking in restricted area like Upper Mustang and Upper Dolpo where you will need a special permit which will be given for a week or limited days. If permit gets expired you will have to pay extra per day.
When should I travel to Nepal?
Nepal has two tourist seasons one is spring and other is autumn. Spring season is February to May. Autumn is late August till mid-November. Summer in Nepal receives heavy rainfall which makes trails slippery and dangerous. There are many avalanches in Mountain during this time, so we suggest not to travel during summer. Another is winter; winter in mountains is too cold. Temperature drop to -20°C. There is snowfall and due to bad weather flights even get cancelled for 1 week. So, it’s better not to travel in winter as well.
What sort of accommodation and food will be in mountain?
Everything in the mountain will be basic. You will stay in tea houses which is lodges and small hotels in the trekking routes. Accommodation will be in twin sharing basis. You will be given three meals and a drink (coffee, hot chocolate, tea) a day. You can choose your meal in some places like Lukla and Namche where there is accessibility to good food. As you go up wards, you will be served simple food. We suggest you to order vegetarian food cause meat in mountains are not fresh and you may easily suffer from Diarrhea. Mineral water in mountain is expensive than city and it gets more expensive as you go upward. You can buy water purifying pills and drink water which is served in local hotel and lodges by purifying yourself.
What do I need to pack?
This basically depends on which season of year you are traveling. If it is autumn then you should keep in mind that winter is approaching, so it will be cool. If it is spring then you should be aware it gets warmer day by day. Generally in all kind of trekking you will require, a down jacket, a warm fleece jacket, thermal underwear, trekking pants and shorts, trekking boots, a thermal sleeping bag, backpack, and camera. Carry light and few items as much as possible. Just make sure you have all the necessary equipment and clothes. Too much overpacking will trouble you in the end. If you are under medication, carry your medicine. If you want to bring something with yourself for the trek but you don't have it right now, we suggest you not to buy such things. Almost all the necessary gears can be easily bought or be rented at shops in Kathmandu.
Is there any arrangement for single travelers?
Whether you are single or traveling with group, a long as you are traveling with Nep Travels, you will be given a guide. If you are single and want a porter, you have to pay extra $11 per day for a porter. If there is more than one person then, one porter will be provided automatically. Generally, we have porter in 2:1 ratio; two trekkers will have one porter.
How much weight will porter carry?
In an average porter will carry 5kg to 15kg. We recommend you to carry bag of 10-15kg (max.) weight. Try to carry few items as possible. You have to carry your important stuffs by yourself like camera, passport, small day bag and other food (chocolates, energy drinks). Rest other will be carried by porter. So you will have two bags during trekking, one carried by porter another carried by yourself.
What communication options exist while trekking?
Don't forget you are trekking in the remote areas. However, access to mobile and internet is expanding so you can communicate using local mobile card and internet. Many routes offer local VHF phones, while more remote trails, a satellite phone is the only option. Connections are interrupted frequently but it's still OK considering place you are traveling.
What is Altitude sickness? What is acclimatization?
When you are trekking in mountain, as you go upwards oxygen in air decreases. Sometimes you might feel headache, vomiting and nausea followed by dizziness. So when you see these symptoms, you might be suffering from Altitude sickness. So, if you have any such symptoms immediately tell your guide. To avoid altitude sickness you will have to take rest and let your body adjust to the surrounding which is called Acclimatization. If you feel too difficult even after acclimatization the best option is to descend rather than to wait for any rescue.
What to do in emergency cases and injuries?
If there is small injury or accident, then our guide will provide you with first aid. All our guides have received first aid training so this will not be a serious matter. However, your safety comes first. If there is any big accident, then we will take you to nearby hospital. If there is case of emergency than we will immediately contact your insurance and you will be rescued by a helicopter.
How will the case of incomplete trip be handled?
There is rare chance of incomplete trip. However, if there is such incident then we are sorry and please understand we cannot refund you money that you've paid. All the arrangements are done before your arrival, so we have to pay in advance for hotels, lodges, guide and porter. Permit and TIMS once used cannot be refund, so we will not be able to refund your money. If due to climate reasons or our technical problem you cannot start trek, then you can change trekking package and switch to another one.
What about tips to guide and porter?
Well, tips are optional. If you are happy with service then you can tip as much as you want. Many guests avoid tipping to guide and porter. However, guide and porter work hard to make your trip successful, so they expect something from you. So, generally we suggest $80 as tip to porter and guide. Then they will divide within each other. If you are in group then, collect $80 per person then divide equally to guide and porter. We fairly said you the idea of tipping, if you have any other questions related to tipping, please mention them during booking.